Travel tips from tennis ace Rafael Nadal

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Grand Slam travel tips from Rafa

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Rafael Nadal has been traveling the world on the tennis circuit since he was 15-years-old

The multi-grand slam winning champion has become accustomed to life on the road in that time

He highlights good hotels, friends and traveling light as key aspects of the successful road warrior's armor

On the court and on the road all year round, tennis champion Rafael Nadal knows how to enjoy the traveling life.

The former world number one has been jet-setting around the globe on the professional circuit since the tender age of just 15.

Along the way, the man crowned the "King of Clay" has learned a trick or two about performing at his peak whilst living out of a suitcase -- not to mention winning the most sought after titles in tennis.

Here he shares his top tips for making a success of life on the road.

On a lifetime of travel ...

I started to travel like this at the age of 15 so for me, it's normal. Some days you get tired and you feel "I want to stay at home a little bit more," but it's only the moment.

Later when I am in different places, normally I feel very well and happy and excited.

All my life I lived in front of the sea and always try to find the right views ... to have the chance to watch the sea from every place.

(Also), when you are in a hotel in front of the sea, you need to relax. Here (at the Secrets Aura Resort on the island of Cozumel) is great in my opinion because even if the hotel is 100% full, you don't feel it.

On packing light ...

It depends how long will be the travel but this time ... for almost two months, I travel with three bags.

Normally I travel with around five to seven racquets, that's all. (In a) tennis bag always you put shoes, you put strings, grips, these kind of things that without we cannot play tennis.

On punctuality ...

I am always late. I am relaxed always and at the end, the last moment, (it's) tradition for me.